Diaspora Diary Ep 3: Michelle Pickering: Homeopath in Uganda
Hi there,
If you haven’t listened to episode 2, I suggest giving a listen to Jeanetta’s story of coming to Rwanda as a lawyer, and opening the country’s most recognizable fitness brand.
On today’s episode, Michelle shares her fascinating journey from Montego Bay, Jamaica (my hometown!) to pursuing a career as a homeopath in Tanzania and Uganda – both in East Africa. She explains the benefits of homeopathy compared to modern medicine, and how she came to start her own line of products under her brand, Zuri Medicine. She talks about the challenges of living an ocean away from her four children, and shares a hilarious anecdote about the stereotypes she encounters as a Jamaican.
Stay in touch with Michelle through her homeopathic medicine company, Zuri Medicine: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
SHOW NOTES:
2:00 – What is homeopathy?
5:00 – How her daughter’s illness lead her to homeopathy.
8:26 – How Michelle started making her own medicine for sale.
14:00 – The irony of selling homeopathic medicine in settings where traditional medicine is available.
19:45 – Why Michelle moved from Tanzania to Uganda.
24:00 – Perceptions of Jamaican culture in East Africa.
28:30 – Advice to those looking to move to East Africa, including real talk about the challenges!
34:30 – The choice and challenge of living away from her four children.
42:00 – The meaning of Zuri in Zuri Medicine. (Hint: It’s a Swahili word.)
Thanks for listening! Tweet me your thoughts about the episode or suggestions for the show at @diasporadiary, or send me an email at donna@donnatruly.com. And if you enjoyed the show, please share this blogpost with someone you think would enjoy it.
